Have you recently given your hairline a good look? There’s nothing wrong with checking yourself out, but if you look closely, you might see that one side is a bit higher, thinner, or simply different from the other.

This crooked or asymmetrical hairline can make your hair look like it's growing unevenly, leading you to wonder, "Why is one side of my hair thicker than the other?" Or perhaps even, "Is my head lopsided?"

Okay, maybe you didn’t think that last one. Still, an uneven hairline can be annoying, to say the least. So, what leads to uneven hair growth? Before you start searching for “losing hair on one side of your head” or worry that you’ll wake up one day completely bald, let me clarify a few things. I’ll explain why uneven hairlines happen and what you can do to address it (if desired).

Key Takeaways

• Uneven hairline means one side sits higher or thinner than the other and is common.

• Mild asymmetry can reflect natural facial differences or hair patterns and sometimes only looks uneven.

• Causes include aging, traction alopecia, androgenic alopecia, genetic asymmetry, and maturing hairlines affecting temples differently.

• Gentle scalp massages, light plant oils, looser hairstyles, nutrition, and patience may improve hairline appearance gradually.

What Counts as an Uneven Hairline?

An uneven hairline is one that is noticeably different from one side to the other.

For instance, someone might have more hair that has receded on their left side compared to their right. Or, they might just have hair that looks thicker on one side. Others might have an M-shaped hairline, where the center of the hairline is at the front and recedes from the temples.

Uneven hairlines are actually pretty common. As a matter of fact, asymmetry in the face and body is a typical thing. Research shows that small asymmetries can happen as your body develops, including your face.

Uneven hairlines can be very subtle, with only a slight difference from the left and right sides. If your hairline is only a little uneven, you might be the only one who notices. That doesn’t make it any less irritating, though.

Sometimes, uneven hairlines are more of an illusion than reality. For example, if your hair naturally falls to one side, it might seem like you have thinning hair on that side, even if both sides are nearly symmetrical.

For some, a crooked hairline is both noticeable and real. It might look like a difference in hairline height or thinning from male pattern baldness, or another kind of hair loss that affects one temple but not the other.

Common Reasons a Hairline Looks Uneven

It’s common to worry about a hairline that looks uneven, and it can be caused by several things. Some of these are completely natural, while others are related to external stress or patterned hair loss. While often harmless, an uneven hairline could also be an early sign of hair thinning or follicular miniaturisation.

Below, I'll explore four evidence-based reasons for uneven hairlines and what you can do to improve your hairline's appearance.

Aging

As you age, hair growth naturally slows. This is true for both women and men, though men usually notice their hairlines receding more. There’s not a lot you can do about hair loss from aging, particularly if your hairline is just maturing rather than receding. If you still have a good amount of hair on the back and sides of your head, hair transplants could be an option.

Traction Alopecia From Tight Hairstyles

Traction alopecia happens when there's consistent tension on your scalp, leading to hair loss. Hairstyles that constantly pull—like tight braids, ponytails, or cornrows—can put stress on your hairline and temples.

Addressing it early, by wearing looser hairstyles and easing mechanical stress, can help stop it from getting worse. If you think you might have traction alopecia, get advice from a professional.

Androgenic Alopecia, or Pattern Hair Loss

One of the most common reasons for uneven hairlines in men is androgenic alopecia, or male pattern hair loss. Often, this starts with the hairline receding at the temples and front of the head, which can cause thinning that isn't symmetrical.

As time passes, the hairline might recede in a way that becomes more obvious. If it makes sense for you, consider treatments like prescription hair care or procedures led by a doctor.

Inherited Hairline Asymmetry

Hairline density and shape can be passed down through your genes. Some people are likely to have hairlines that sit higher or are more receded on one side.

Usually, this kind of asymmetry stays the same over time and doesn’t always mean you’re losing hair. If you aren't sure if your hairline is changing or just naturally uneven, you can get clarity by speaking with a hair stylist.

Maturing Hairline in Adulthood

For many people, the hairline shifts during adolescence or early adulthood—this is called maturation. This means the hairline moves a bit higher and becomes more defined. Sometimes it might become uneven, but this is a normal part of getting older and not always related to hair loss.

Natural Ways to Improve an Uneven Hairline’s Appearance

You don't always need cosmetic or medical procedures if you have an uneven or thinning hairline. In many cases, you can encourage healthier growth and improve your hairline's appearance over time with gentle, consistent habits. Keep in mind that results come slowly. These approaches focus on long-term hair strength and scalp health.

Improve Scalp Circulation

Regular scalp massages help increase blood flow to the hairline, which helps nutrients reach the hair follicles. Use your fingertips to massage the front of your scalp in small circles for a few minutes every day. I've found this especially helpful in areas that feel tight or sparse. This is a good way to wake up in the morning, for me.

Nourish the Scalp With Natural Oils

Plant oils that aren't too heavy can help balance your scalp and reduce dryness that can make a hairline look thinner.

Oils high in antioxidants and fatty acids help soften the skin around follicles, supporting a healthier place for hair to grow. To condition the scalp and help circulation around the hairline, people often use options like batana oil mixed with rosemary oil.

Apply a small amount along your hairline and gently massage it in one or two times each week. This keeps the area nourished without causing buildup.

Reduce Tension and Tight Hairstyles

Constantly pulling your hair into tight braids, ponytails, slicked-back styles, or extensions can weaken the hair around your temples and forehead. You can reduce stress on fragile edges and prevent further thinning by switching to looser styles and changing where you part your hair.

Support Hair Growth Through Nutrition

Hair growth relies a lot on your internal health. Eating a balanced diet with enough protein, iron, zinc, and healthy fats helps support normal growth cycles and stronger strands. Staying hydrated can also keep your scalp comfortable and less likely to flake or get dry.

Be Gentle With Styling and Heat

Using heat too often near your hairline can cause breakage that looks like recession. You can help keep your existing hair strong and reduce the kind of breakage that makes your hairline look uneven by using heat tools less, using lower temperatures, and avoiding harsh brushing along your edges.

Stay Consistent and Patient

Natural methods take time. Hair grows slowly, and it might take several months before you see changes. Being consistent is more important than being intense. Taking gentle care of your hair regularly works better than doing aggressive treatments sometimes.

If an uneven hairline keeps getting worse or you're suddenly shedding a lot, you should see a professional to rule out any underlying problems. However, focusing on your daily habits and scalp health can make a big difference in how your hairline looks and feels.

Lifestyle Changes That Help an Uneven Hairline

If traction alopecia has caused your uneven hairline, lifestyle changes can be very helpful. You might be able to reverse the hair loss by changing your hairstyle and using the right products to care for your hair. Like any other part of your body, your hair needs TLC and good hygiene. Here are some lifestyle tips I would recommend:

1. Remove other types of hair friction – Your pillowcase might be disrupting hair growth and causing friction. To help your hair retain moisture and cause less pulling, choose a silk pillowcase with a smooth surface. My sister had fewer tangles after switching to a silk pillowcase.

2. Change your hairstyle – If you’ve noticed uneven hair loss and often wear tight braids or a ponytail, I suggest switching to a hairstyle that puts less friction on your hair.

3. Use gentle products – The shampoos we use often have harsh chemicals in them. Instead, choose shampoos without sulphate and get a hair mask to hydrate your hair and reduce friction.

Support Your Hairline With Gentle Habits And Keyoma Batana Oil

Protect your edges by treating unevenness like a tension pattern, not a mystery. If one temple keeps looking higher, then change what pulls there first. Loosen ponytails and braids, rotate your part, and switch to a smooth pillowcase so friction stops hitting the same spot every night. Then support the skin, not just the hair.

Massage a small amount of Keyoma Batana Oil with Rosemary along the hairline one to two times each week, using light circles so you do not cause build-up. If your roots get oily fast, keep the oil on the hairline only, not the scalp. Buy Keyoma Batana Oil with Rosemary direct from Keyoma.